Second Letter.
Dear Rev. Father:
Since my third confession, everyone says I am showing improvement. Papa says it is your letters that make me good. Mamma says it is the grace of God given through confession.
Hetty says, "I do believe dat boy done got religion for sure."
Everybody believes in my conversion, excepting Sister Amy; she says the badness couldn't go so sudden; it is still there. Trix's ear is sore yet; that is the reason she is cross.
Indeed, Father, I feel good. I obey better; I have only to be called three times in the morning, and I don't forget things when I am sent on errands, and I even study without growling.
Dear Father, would you like a pair of white rats? They are lovely pets and run all over me; they eat corn off the top of my head and nibble my ears. If you want them, I will put them in a wire cage and carry them into town the next time I go to see you.
Your loving little friend,
Bolax Allen.
St. Francis Xavier College.
My Dear Little Friend:
How rejoiced I am to learn by your last report that you are giving satisfaction to Mamma and Papa, and learning to obey; the greatest of all virtues "obedience," preserves us from falling into other sins.
Sister will come round soon, just let her see you are in earnest, and surprise her by persevering in your good resolutions.
I thank you for the kind offer to give me your pets, but I fear the good brother who has charge of my room would object to rats—white or black—so I must decline your present with many thanks, dear child.
Come to see me next Wednesday, I will be home from 2 to 6 P. M.
God bless you,
Aloysius Rocofort, S. J.
St Francis Xavier College.
Dear Little Friend:
What a pity I was not at home when you called. I wished to see you to find out how you had been doing since I last met you. I hope you went to confession to one of the other priests that day.
After Holy Communion, which you are too young to receive as yet, there is no better means to aid you in doing right than a complete and humble declaration of all that you have done amiss.
It is a good thing to say your prayers in the morning, even though you have to be reminded by your mother. I wish you had interest enough yourself to say them without being reminded.
Always your friend,
A. Rocofort, S. J.